Effect of contextual factors on science–industry R&D cooperation. A fuzzy-set analysis

This study examines the different contextual factors (previous cooperative experiences, the partners’ reputation, attraction capacity, a clear definition of objectives, proximity between partners and institutionalization) that, according to the literature, affect the performance of science-industry R&D partnerships. These factors are the preconditions of the contract that are the reference framework in which future relations between the partners are planned. The purpose of this paper is to discuss these factors and to present a causal model to explain how these contextual factors lead to the success of science-industry R&D cooperation. The analysis uses fs/QCA methodology, which allows identifying a combination of causes that lead to the outcome. Results support the argument that different causal paths (combinations of contextual factors) explain profitable R&D contracts.